Art. Culture. Life.

Within hours of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Library of Congress staff began to call for and collect a vast array of original materials concerning the attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, and the fate of United Airlines Flight 93 which crashed into the earth at Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Library staff worked with many others to chronicle the events and to collect related materials in a wide variety of formats related to 9/11–for example, photographs, magazines, posters, fine art and even comic book illustrations.

The September 11, 2001, Documentary Project at the Library of Congress is a permanent record of the reactions and responses of everyday people, the heroic resolve of firefighters and rescue workers, and the diverse views of the international community regarding the terrorist attacks.

To further mark the anniversary, President Bush proclaimed that September 11 be named Patriot Day. On this day, the proclamation asks that flags be flown at half-mast and that the day be marked by ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and other remembrance services.